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Oksana Embraces AI to Build a New Career

Posted on by heathercette

Oksana attended a recent GRoW event on ChatGPT where we spoke to her about how she had been using the revolutionary AI program to help support her on her journey to employment. Since moving to the UK from Ukraine nearly three years ago, Oksana has worked hard to improve her English and adapt her skills to the job market. By utilising ChatGPT to help her in her job search, Oksana has been able to explore new ways of tailoring her applications and building her confidence.

Oksana said “When I came to the UK, I didn’t know where to start. Back in Ukraine, I worked as a German teacher, but finding work here felt a bit overwhelming. Then, I discovered GRoW and started attending their workshops. They introduced me to tools like ChatGPT, which has made a big difference in how I approach job applications.

Before ChatGPT, writing a CV and cover letters was a long and difficult process. Now, I can input my skills and experience, and the program helps me tailor my applications for specific jobs. For example, when applying for teaching assistant or nursery roles, I highlight my experience working with children. ChatGPT makes it so much easier to adjust my CV and cover letters to match the requirements of each job.

I’ve also used ChatGPT to help with creative projects. My husband is a photographer and videographer, and he asks me to write posts for his work. I use ChatGPT to create meaningful captions and messages for his photos and videos, which saves me a lot of time.

One of the most helpful things I’ve learned is how to use ChatGPT to quickly adapt cover letters for different roles. After working with Karen from GRoW, I realised the importance of tailoring applications to each job. Karen spent time reviewing my CV, and with ChatGPT’s help, I made it much stronger. Now, I feel more confident when I send it out.

I’ve been applying for jobs almost daily. Whenever I find a role that interests me, I use ChatGPT to create a personalised application. It saves me hours of work and ensures my applications stand out. I’ve already applied for several teaching assistant roles and feel like I’m getting closer to finding the right opportunity.

Since joining GRoW, I’ve learned so much, not just about job applications but also about myself. The support from the community and the use of AI tools have helped me feel more capable and hopeful about my future. I’m excited to continue this journey and see what opportunities come next.”

Sara GRoWs her confidence and looks to the future

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Sara came to the GRoW Programme looking for support in getting back to work. She has actively participated in various GRoW programmes, both in-person and online, undertaken training and recently secured a job as a carer. Sara found the impact of having a strong support network in GRoW as a huge boost to her confidence and motivation.

Sara said “I first came across GRoW through my daughter’s school. They were advertising a GRoW bootcamp at the school for parents who wanted help with learning English or finding work. At the time, I was struggling to find a job and didn’t know where to go or what to do, so I thought, “Why not?” That’s how it all started for me.

When I joined GRoW, I was looking for work and trying to figure out what I needed to do to get there. I also had some challenges because I am hearing-impaired and unsure if that would make finding a job even harder. GRoW helped me a lot. I did a course on mental health and another one on working with children and young people. Both were online, but they gave me so much confidence. Being in a group where everyone was in the same situation, struggling with English as a second language, made me feel comfortable. We were all learning together, and it gave me the courage to speak up and use my English more.

I’ve been out of work for a long time. The last time I worked was about 10 years ago, helping my husband with his business. Since then, I focused on raising my children and did some volunteering to gain experience. Now, my youngest child is older and more independent, so it’s easier for me to work.

Even though my goal was to work with children or in schools, I’ve taken a job as a carer for now. It’s not my dream job, but it’s a good starting point to gain work experience and build my skills. I’ve already learned a lot through the training, like safeguarding and understanding medication needs.

GRoW has been a huge support for me. They check in regularly, tell me about new courses, and encourage me to keep going. I remember one time I wasn’t planning to do a course, but someone from GRoW called and explained why it would be helpful. I’m so glad I did it. They’ve always been there to guide me, and their encouragement has made all the difference.

For me, the biggest thing GRoW has given me is confidence. As a woman and a mother, it’s easy to lose confidence, even if you have experience or skills. GRoW helped me believe in myself again, and that’s what’s allowed me to take these steps towards finding a job.

My dream is still to work with children or in mental health, and I’m open to doing more courses if I need to. For now, I’ll focus on doing my best in my new role as a carer and continue building my experience. I’ll also stay connected with GRoW because their support has been invaluable, and I know they’ll help me reach my goals.

To anyone out there who feels stuck or unsure about how to move forward, I’d say: just start. It’s not easy, but with the right support and a little confidence, you can do it. GRoW has shown me that we’re all capable of achieving more than we think.”

 

Madiha Finds New Confidence and Opportunities

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Madiha has been part of the GRoW community for over a year. She is a very active member who has worked hard to upskill herself and move closer to finding work. Recently, she was referred to Smart Works for a career consultation, which made her feel very confident and positive about her future. Madiha also volunteers as a parent champion with the Hillingdon Coram Family Information Service, helping other mums in her community.

Madiha said “I first heard about GRoW last year through a newsletter from my children’s school. I had been a full-time mum for 11 years, looking after my three daughters, and I felt like I wasn’t doing anything for myself. When I saw the GRoW advert, it said I could learn new skills, meet other mums, and prepare for finding a job in the future. I thought, “I should join this because it will help me.”

I went to three GRoW sessions, and they really inspired me. The group is very supportive, and it helps mums like me who have been at home for a long time. I met other women who understood what I was going through, and I started to believe in myself again. Liz and the team kept saying, “We have to do something for ourselves and our children,” and those words stayed with me.

Since joining GRoW, I have done a lot of courses to improve myself. I completed a Level 1 Teaching Assistant course and am now working on Level 2, which I will finish next month. I also did courses in budgeting, customer service, and mental health for children and young people. I have also done e-learning courses as part of my parent champion work with Coram. All of this has helped me feel more confident and ready to move forward.

My volunteering role at Coram Family Information Service is giving me the opportunity to help other mums. I help talk to them about their problems and signpost them to the right services if they need help with things such as their children’s education, health, or anything else. It’s good to know I can support them because they trust me, and it feels very rewarding to give back to my community.

One of the best things I have done through GRoW is the Smart Works consultation. GRoW shared the opportunity in a session, and I immediately said I was interested. Smart Works offered me career coaching, and it was a great experience. They showed me how to prepare for job interviews and gave me advice to improve my confidence.

After the session, I felt really positive. Knowing I can contact them again for help with my CV or interviews has made me feel even more ready to start working.

I have already applied to volunteer at my children’s school and registered with recruitment agencies. I have a degree in Business and Marketing and thought I would work in that field but I am thinking now that I would like to become a teaching assistant because I really enjoy working with children. Back in Pakistan, I taught children for over 10 years as a Tutor, and I want to use that experience here.

Joining GRoW has changed me completely. I feel more confident in how I talk, how I handle things at home, and how I support my children. I’ve also learned that life is about continuous learning. Whether it’s through volunteering, studying, or helping others, there is always something new to learn.

I’m so thankful for GRoW. It has helped me see what I can do and made me believe in myself again. I still have a lot to do, but I feel ready for the future, and I’m excited to see what’s next.

 

Vidya Discovers New Confidence with GRoW

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Vidya moved to the UK from India in July 2024 with her husband and two children. She previously worked as a hospitality manager and is keen to find similar work in the UK. Vidya has found support and guidance through GRoW and has attended the GRoW Bootcamp and undertaken a customer service course to help her achieve her goal. Vidya is now working as as an eVisa champion for Ealing and Hounslow CVS as well as searching for part time and full time work.

Vidya said “I first heard about GRoW when I went to a jobs fair in Feltham. I was searching for job opportunities online and found out about the event. At the jobs fair, I met Saeema and the GRoW team. They told me about the GRoW Bootcamp and the other support they could give me. I decided to join because I wanted to find work and learn more.

Before coming to the UK I used to work as a hospitality Manager for a corporate serviced apartment. When I moved here, I started searching for jobs, but it was hard because I didn’t know where to begin. I was originally interested in part time work but since going to the job fair I realised that availability of full time opportunities are more than part time jobs, and decided to apply for full time work.

Being part of GRoW and taking part in the Bootcamp was very good. I learned so many things, like where to find jobs in my area and how to feel more confident when applying for them. The team was very kind and helped me a lot. They made me feel like I could do this. There were lots of activities, and they gave me the push I needed to start applying for jobs.

GRoW also helped me with my CV. Karen ran an online session where she explained everything about writing a good CV, and Saeema helped me put it all together. Now, I have a CV that I can use to apply for jobs.

I also completed a customer service course. It was about hospitality and catering services, and I learned a lot that will help me in my next job. This course gave me more confidence and refreshed my knowledge about the industry.

The GRoW team is not just a community; they feel like family to me. They take care of me and make me feel supported. Every day, I am applying for jobs, and even though I haven’t found one yet, I feel positive. I know I will get there because of the confidence and support GRoW has given me. I have started volunteering work in December as an eVisa champion for Ealing and Hounslow CVS which is helping me to gain some work experience and a boost for my CV.

Thank you to everyone at GRoW for all your help. I hope to find a full-time job soon, and I am very grateful for everything you have done for me.”

 

Kaliki GRoWs her confidence and motivation while gaining new skills and experience

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Kaliki moved to the UK from India two years ago and settled in Hounslow with her family. She had never worked before, but is determined to find a way to build her skills and experience and find a job. When she heard about the GRoW Programme at a local job fair, she decided to join, and it has been a very positive experience. Through GRoW, Kaliki has received support in preparing for work, building confidence, and developing the skills she needs to thrive in the UK job market.

Kaliki said “When I first came to the UK, I had no work experience. I was a housewife and mother and didn’t know how to even start looking for a job. I heard about GRoW at a jobs fair, and it sounded like something I needed. When I joined, the team helped me learn so much—how to write a CV, how to prepare for interviews, and how to find job opportunities. They gave me motivation and guidance, which I really needed.

I’m very happy to be a GRoW App ambassador. It’s helped me learn new things. I post on the app at least twice a week, sharing motivation or important updates for people in my area. It feels good to help others while I’m learning too.

I am currently doing an ESOL course to improve my English and I’m also doing AAT Level 1 for accounting. It’s a bit hard to manage studying and being a mum, but I feel proud. My exams are coming up in January, and I’m excited to see how I do.

I also attended GRoW Bootcamps—one in person and one online. These were so useful because they helped me focus on what I want and how to plan for it. Before, I didn’t know how to organise myself, but now I feel more confident.

I’m looking for a job, and I’m open to either part-time or full-time work. I’d love to work in customer service or accounting. GRoW has shown me that I can achieve these goals. I even hope that one day I might work for GRoW—not just as a volunteer but as an employee.

GRoW has given me clarity and motivation. I now feel ready to take on challenges and build a future for myself and my family. I’m very thankful for all the support and opportunities I’ve had.”

 

Sravani Looks To Reignite Her Career in IT

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Sravani moved to the UK from India a year ago, bringing with her a wealth of experience in IT as an analyst and a desire to re-establish her career in the sector. After joining the GRoW Programme a month ago she found motivation with the GRoW Bootcamp and is now actively pursuing opportunities in software testing while balancing her role as a mother to her four-year-old daughter.

Sravani said “When I first came across the GRoW Programme through a leaflet, I thought, ‘Why not give this a try?’ At that point, I was looking at returning to work in IT-related roles, specifically in software testing, and the idea of having support and guidance felt promising. I visited the GRoW office, and from the moment I registered, I felt a sense of trust in the team. Everyone was so approachable and helpful; I knew I was in the right place.

One of the first things I did was attend the in-person bootcamp. That experience was really important for me. I felt really motivated and it helped me reflect on where I was and where I wanted to go. Having been out of work for a while due to taking a career break to care for my daughter, I felt like my confidence had dipped. But the bootcamp activities, such as planning your day and identifying your strengths, really boosted my confidence and gave me clarity.

The bootcamp also gave me the tools to talk about my skills and experiences. It taught me how to present myself confidently during interviews and discussions, which is something I hadn’t done in years. Now, I’m attending GRoW’s online sessions, and they continue to provide me with encouragement. However, I must say, I’d love to participate in another in-person bootcamp. That personal interaction and focused time were so impactful for me.

Before coming to the UK, I worked in India as an Associate Analyst and later as a Senior Analyst at a company called Global Logic. My role was non-technical, but over the years, I developed an interest in working in a technical domain. I even completed a course in software testing to enhance my skills. This is now what I want to do in the UK. GRoW has helped me update my CV and prepare for this goal. I haven’t faced an interview in the UK yet, but I feel more prepared for when that time comes.
The support I’ve received has been so valuable to me. I’m searching for jobs on platforms like Linkedin, Indeed, CV Library and Indeed and I’m grateful for the motivation and direction they’ve given me, and I’m excited about what’s next. I’m hopeful that with GRoW’s continued support, I’ll soon find the IT role I’m working towards.”

Valeriia’s Journey From GRoW to Teaching Assistant Role

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From GRoW to a Teaching Assistant Role: Valeriia’s Journey

Earlier this year, we shared Valeriia’s inspiring story of resilience and determination as she transitioned from her life in Ukraine to working with GRoW in Kingston. Today, we’re excited to share an update about Valeriia’s next chapter: her new role as a Teaching Assistant. In her own words, Valeriia reflects on the challenges she faced, the steps she took to overcome them, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

“I always knew I wanted to work in a school, but there were two problems holding me back. First, I didn’t have any local experience, which employers here really want. Second, most of the schools I applied to were looking for someone with experience working with children who have special educational needs (SEN), and I didn’t have that either. Even so, I didn’t stop applying. I kept looking for jobs, going to interviews, and learning from each experience.

This summer, everything changed. I saw a vacancy for a Teaching Assistant at the school my son attends. It felt like fate! I applied straight away, and they invited me for an interview. To my surprise and happiness, I got the job. I officially started in September, and it’s been a wonderful three months since then.

Looking back, I think two things helped me succeed. First, the experience of going to different interviews really prepared me. In one previous interview, I had to read a book with Year 1 children and then discuss it with them. When the same task came up during my interview for this job, I felt confident because I already knew what to do. The second thing was the confidence I gained while working with GRoW. That job reminded me that I’m capable, that I can contribute, and that I have skills to offer.

But more than that, the inspiring women at GRoW inspired myself. Seeing their strength, determination, and kindness helped me believe in my own potential and motivated me to overcome any barriers I faced.

Working at my son’s school has been very different from my experience as a teacher in Ukraine. In Ukraine, children with SEN used to go to special schools. It wasn’t until 2019 that they started integrating into regular schools. Here, every class has children with SEN, so gaining experience in this area is really important. I didn’t have that experience before, but now I’m learning every day on the job. I’m also thinking about taking a course on understanding autism to build my knowledge further. I believe every new skill and bit of knowledge helps me improve and grow. I would suggest to anyone who is looking to work in a school to undertake courses or programmes where you can learn about how to support children with additional needs as it is quite an important part of a teaching assistant role.

One of the best parts of my new job is how convenient it is. I can drop my son off at school and start my workday right there. It’s made life so much easier for our family. I found this job on a website called Eteach, which lists school jobs. I checked it regularly because I wanted something close to home. When the vacancy appeared, it felt like the perfect fit.

If I could give one piece of advice to others looking for work, it would be this: keep going. Keep applying, keep going to interviews, and don’t give up. Even if you don’t get the job, you gain experience with each interview. You learn what to expect, you build your confidence, and eventually, you’ll find the right opportunity. That’s what happened to me.

Working with GRoW was also a turning point for me. When I started, I had been out of work for a while, and my confidence was low. But the job at GRoW reminded me that I’m capable. I enjoyed meeting new people, helping them, and feeling like I was contributing again. That experience made me feel ready when this teaching assistant role came along.

I’m so happy to be where I am now, and I’m grateful for the support I’ve had along the way. Every experience has been a step forward, and I’m excited to keep learning and growing in my new role.”

 

Mukta’s Journey to Confidence and a Career in Childcare with GRoW

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Mukta moved to the UK from Bangladesh nearly eight years ago. She had some work experience working in retail for a year but has focused mainly on raising her children. Lacking in confidence Mukta came to the GRoW Programme in Newham looking for support to get a job. Now, she’s volunteering, completing childcare qualifications, and working towards her dream of becoming a childminder.

Mukta said “When I joined the GRoW Programme last year, I felt very unsure about myself. I didn’t know how to find a job or what to do. I had worked in a shop for one year, but then I stopped because I needed to look after my children. I didn’t have much confidence, and I felt shy talking to people. GRoW helped me to change that.

At first, I wanted help to find paid work. I didn’t feel confident, but GRoW supported me. I joined their Bootcamp, which was very helpful. It taught me things I didn’t know and made me feel better about myself. I also did the “Preparing to Work in Schools” course, which gave me new ideas about work. It made me think about doing more and gave me hope.

One of the best things I did was start volunteering. Now, I volunteer at a library in Redbridge every Tuesday. At first, I was nervous, but now I really enjoy it. It gives me experience, and I feel more confident talking to people. This is very important for me because before, I was too shy to talk to anyone.

GRoW also helped me find a childcare course. I completed my Level 1 qualification with Get Set UK, and I really enjoyed it. I love working with children, and my dream is to become a childminder. I’m planning to do my Level 2 childcare course next so I can take the next step. I want to help families and children and do a job I enjoy.

GRoW has helped me so much. They made me believe in myself. Before, I was very shy and didn’t think I could do anything. Now, I feel confident and ready to take on new challenges. I even went to a job fair recently and spoke to people about my goals. This was something I could never do before.

I’m very happy that I joined GRoW. They have given me the support I needed to move forward. I feel like I’m on the right path now. My dream is to become a childminder, and I know I can do it. If anyone is thinking about joining GRoW, I would say, go for it. They can really help you, just like they helped me.

 

Amna Builds Confidence and Skills Through the GRoW Programme

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Amna joined the GRoW Programme looking for ways to rebuild her confidence and gain new skills. She hadn’t worked formally before in the UK but had worked as a volunteer before COVID. Amn’s journey with GRoW has been transformative and now she is volunteering as both a Parent Champion and working with HomeStart Hillingdon, and has just completed her Level 2 Teaching Assistant qualification with Get Set UK, as part of the GRoW Programme. Now Amna is looking to undertake a Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification and is now working towards a career in this field.

Amna said; “When I first joined GRoW, I was feeling very unsure. I hadn’t worked before, only volunteered in schools a long time ago. After COVID, I lost my confidence and my communication skills. I felt nervous even to talk to new people. But through GRoW’s coffee mornings and meeting others like me, I started to feel encouraged. The GRoW team really supported me, especially Michelle and Sheeja, and it made me feel like I was not alone.

Now, I am volunteering as a Parent Champion and with HomeStart Hillingdon. For HomeStart, I’m attending training every Wednesday for nine sessions. After that, they will match me with a family, and I will visit them to provide support, listen to their problems, and let them know they’re not alone. I’m there to help, but if they need advice, I speak with the coordinator. It feels good to know that I am making a difference and helping people.

With the Parent Champions, I attend sessions and help as a translator for Urdu if anyone needs it. It’s a great way for me to give back to the community and use my language skills to help others.

Through GRoW, I also found out about the Teaching Assistant course. I completed my Level 2 certificate, and now I’m preparing my CV with Sheeja’s help. I never thought I would want to work as a Teaching Assistant, but GRoW has changed my mindset. I’m even planning to take Level 3 later this year! Now, I feel ready to apply to schools and see where this path can take me.

Joining GRoW was one of the best decisions I made. It gave me confidence, skills, and a support network. I now feel ready to balance volunteering and work, and I am excited for the future. I know that, with GRoW by my side, I can achieve my goals.”

Sunita Builds Skills and Confidence for a Future in Education

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Sunita is a mother to a child with Downs Syndrome, who first learned about the GRoW Programme a year before signing up. At that time, she wasn’t quite ready to take the next step, but she held onto the information, knowing that GRoW might be the support she’d need when the timing was right for both her and her child. Now with her son settled in secondary school, Sunita felt ready to start her journey back into work. GRoW provided her with the encouragement and resources to take that first step, helping her pursue a career that fits her family’s needs.

Sunita said “I recently completed the Children and Young People’s Mental Health course through GRoW which has been such an inspiring and informative experience for me. So much so that I’m now planning to take a Level 2 Teaching Assistant qualification. GRoW has been so supportive in helping me on my journey and I now feel I am on a path to the future.

I first heard about GRoW back in the summer of 2023 at a community event at the Civic Centre in Hillingdon. A member of the GRoW team was there, sharing information about the support they offer. I kept the leaflet, knowing that one day, I might be ready to take that next step. Finally, in September of this year, I reached out and began my journey with GRoW.

I’m a mother, and my son has Downs Syndrome, so finding work that fits around his needs has always been a priority. GRoW really understood this, and they recommended I start with the Children and Young People’s Mental Health course. It was perfect for me as I want to work part-time in a school, where my son’s school hours align with work hours.

The course was incredibly informative. It gave me a deeper understanding of mental health, especially how important early intervention can be for children. Coming from a different cultural background, mental health wasn’t something we discussed openly, so this course opened my eyes to the importance of recognising and supporting children’s mental health. Learning about the stigma surrounding mental health was a revelation, and I felt empowered to help create a supportive environment for children.
GRoW made the enrolment process so simple; I didn’t have to wait long, and the GRoW Advisers, Saeema and Sheeja, were there to support me every step of the way. The course itself was delivered online over three weeks, with a tutor guiding us through each session. I felt like I was part of a community, learning alongside others who shared similar goals.

Now, I’m looking forward to the next step: enrolling in the Level 2 Teaching Assistant course. I recently completed an English assessment, and I’m hopeful I’ll pass. I’ve gained so much confidence through GRoW’s support, and I feel like I’m on the right path. GRoW also sends regular updates and motivational messages, which keep me inspired and remind me that I’m not alone on this journey.
I feel so much more confident since joining GRoW I’m excited now to see where this journey leads me.